Injury boost for Wenger ahead of Basel match

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that there is ‘positive’ news on one of Arsenal’s injured players ahead of the Champions League clash with FC Basel.

The Gunners will entertain the Swiss club at the Emirates stadium on Wednesday as they look to record their first victory in the competition this season after the 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain two weeks ago.

Granit Xhaka is likely to replace Francis Coquelin in the starting line-up following the French midfielder’s knee injury against Chelsea.

However, Wenger has revealed that Coquelin will not be sidelined for the long period that many feared on Saturday.

“He is out for the game tomorrow, but it should be a short-term injury because the scan was quite positive and I think it will be three weeks out.” the Arsenal boss said

“It’s positive because last year during this period we got some bad news and a few long-term injuries and it was a handicap in our season.

“After you play always the same players and you lose a little bit of your edge physically. The fact is we have a compact squad, but of top quality, so to keep everybody together is a big plus.”